Finished!! The following were done:
Timing Belt
Water Pump
Tensioner
Cam Seal
Crank Seal
Valve Cover Gasket/Seals
Coolant Change
Power Steering and Alternator/AC Belt
Axle Seals
LCA Bushings
Ball Joints
Two Wheel Studs/Lug Nuts
The timing belt was easy. Lots to do, but overall easy. Getting the car up on a lift and having lots of room to swing a long breaker bar made the crank bolt easy to loosen. The first time I checked, I was several teeth off. I fixed it, checked and double checked, and was good. I also adjusted the valves while I was in there.
The LCA bushings are a PITA. Actually, just the rear bushings are a PITA! I had a press and knocked the front out and pushed the new one in. They are directional by the way...I noticed this after I got the first new one in wrong, then pressed it out and right back in again correctly. Ball joints were easy too. I used Moog greasable ones in hopes that they would last longer.
The rear bushing is next to impossible to press out, unless you have the right clam shell for the press. I had four different clam shells to choose from and still couldn't make it work. I took the control arms home, drill a bunch of holes in the old bushing, hammered the center out, then used a Sawzaw to cut the bushing case out. Then I went back to the shop and pressed the new ones in.
The wheel studs aren't hard, but there is a lot to do. The hub has to be pressed out of the wheel bearing to get to the old stud out and new one in. Easy job, but several steps and the right tools are needed. I had two to replace after I destroyed to studs trying to save time with an impact wrench.
The car makes a lot less noise on the road, but there is still a bit of a clanking noise that I can't figure out. Any guesses? The sway bar links are also new. Struts aren't leaking, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, and the rear end bushings are pretty solid.
Anybody have any idea what this weight looking thing does? I found all three bolts holding it in were loose. Can I take it off? Are there any more?
